To accommodate increasing demand for gemological education in the United Kingdom, GIA has relocated its London campus to a fully renovated and larger facility.
Several hundred industry leaders, trade members, graduates, students, and supporters joined GIA Education Vice President Brook Ellis and GIA London Director Edward Johnson for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 11 to formally open the new location.
The new campus, located at 104 Great Russell St., is situated in a 17th century building with a modern extension that was fully renovated, redecorated, and redesigned. With a floor plan covering four stories, GIA London now has three gemology classrooms, a bright and open Jewelry Design classroom with glass walls, a student library, reception, staff offices, kitchen, and a multi-purpose room with a large glass ceiling for students and events.
The branch did not have far to move; in fact, Johnson said the school literally moved next door from its former building in the heart of central London.
"This location offers our students a wonderful new environment in a vibrant city where there are many diverse opportunities," Johnson said. "GIA London's new expanded location will be an ideal venue for students from all over the world to learn gemology and jewelry design," he added. "Our new home also allows students to network with others in the industry right here on campus."
The next Graduate Gemologist diploma programs at the new campus in 2006 begin Jan. 9 and June 5, 2006. Other classes slated this year include an Intermediate CAD/CAM class, Dec. 5–16.
Image 1: Several GIA officials participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the new London location. From left: Brook Ellis (GIA vice president of Education), David Byworth and David Lee (members of GIA England Board of Directors and Trustees), Seung-Hae Moon (GIA Global Education director), and Edward Johnson (GIA London director).
Image 2: GIA London students learn gemology while industry leaders Mark Walker, (Goldie International Ltd.) Robin Walker (formerly with De Beers) and Navin Chandra (Goldie International Ltd.) mingle.
Image 3: GIA London staff celebrate moving into the new Campus. From left: Edward Johnson (GIA London Director), Doug Kennedy (Resident Gemmology Instructor), Cigdem Lule-Whipp (Extension Gemmology Instructor), John Koeppl (Jewellery Design Instructor), Bingham Williams (Extension Gemmology Instructor), Elina Ratcheva (Campus Manager), Despina Sideras (Resident Gemmology Instructor.
11th October 2005